Environment & Ecology
Species Conservation
Welcome to the Species Conservation study hub, a critical domain within your UPSC Environment & Ecology preparation. Species Conservation refers to the practice of protecting wild animal and plant species and their habitats. It encompasses
32 articles in this topic
Articles on Species Conservation
Elephant Corridors and Human-Wildlife Conflict in Jharkhand
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Elephant Corridors and Human-Wildlife Conflict in Jharkhand
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: A Critical Node for Central Indian Tiger Conservation and Corridor Connectivity (UPSC GS-III)
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is a critical ecological node, strategically positioned to facilitate tiger reintroduction and establish vital wildlife corridors between central Indian reserves. Its conservation trajectory, however, grapples with challenges like human-wildlife conflict and village relocation, underscoring the complexities of implementing robust biodiversity protection within socio-economic constraints.
New Moth Species Discoveries: Unpacking India's Biodiversity, Conservation Challenges, and Taxonomic Imperative for UPSC
New moth species discoveries in India underscore the nation's megadiverse status while revealing critical gaps in conservation policy and taxonomic expertise. These findings highlight the ecological significance of invertebrates as bio-indicators and pollinators, simultaneously challenging India's existing conservation framework that disproportionately focuses on charismatic megafauna, necessitating a more inclusive and scientifically robust approach.
192 bird species recorded in Silent Valley
Source: The Hindu(Page3) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
Groups to prevent human-wildlife conflict linked to elephant deaths
Source: The Hindu(Page7) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment )
Researchers publish first-of-its-kind checklist on fireflies across India
Source: The Hindu(Page3) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
India’s cheetah population hits 53 with new litter at Kuno
Source: The Hindu(Page6) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
India's New Fruit Fly Species Discovery: Unpacking Biodiversity, Taxonomy, and Conservation for UPSC
The discovery of new fruit fly species in India highlights the nation's rich biodiversity and the critical need for robust taxonomic research and conservation. This article dissects India's institutional and legal frameworks, examines the 'taxonomic impediment' as a key challenge, and provides a comparative assessment of biodiversity data management for UPSC aspirants.
Cheetahs moving from Kuno to Rajasthan showing ‘natural territorial behaviour’: NTCA
Source: The Hindu(Page4) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
Nearly half of world’s migratory wildlife protected under UN treaty facing population decline, says new report
Source: Indian express(Page2) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon: Conservation Challenges in the Western Ghats | UPSC Mains Analysis
Explore the significance, habitat, and conservation challenges of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, an endemic species of the Western Ghats, and the implications of climate change on biodiversity.
Invasive Mosquito Species Threatens India’s 2030 Malaria Elimination Goal
Context As per the Malaria Elimination Technical Report, 2025 urban malaria has emerged as a national concern threatening India’s goal of eliminating the mosquito-borne disease by 2030. Major Highlights Drivers of Transmission: Asymptomatic infections, difficult terrain, and population movement continue to drive transmission. Cross-border transmission from Myanmar and Bangladesh also continues to affect border districts in northeastern India.
Human-wildlife Conflict
Context The National Tiger Conservation Authority appraised the expansion of Project Cheetah and reviewed measures to address human-wildlife conflict. What is human-wildlife conflict (HWC)? HWC refers to the negative interaction between humans and wild animals, leading to adverse impacts such as injury or loss of human lives, crop, livestock and other properties, and equally negative impacts on wild animals and or their habitats.
Mangroves’ Cells Help Plants Survive in Saltwater
Context A new study published in Current Biology explains the cellular adaptations that enable mangrove species to tolerate extreme salt stress, offering insights for developing salt-tolerant crops in the future. Key Highlights of the Study Key cellular traits (not stomata-based): Mangroves do not rely on smaller or more numerous stomata to increase photosynthesis. Instead, they exhibit: unusually small leaf epidermal pavement cells and thicker cell walls, which together give them more mechanica
BNHS to Reintroduce Two Vulture Species in Assam
Context The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), is set to reintroduce two critically endangered vulture species, Slender-billed Vultures (Gyps tenuirostris) and White-rumped Vultures (Gyps bengalensis), in Assam. Vulture Vultures are one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that live mostly in the tropics and subtropics. India is home to nine species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the
India, Botswana Cheetah Translocation Pact
In News India and Botswana formally announced the translocation of eight Cheetahs to India as a part of ‘Project Cheetah’. About India declared the cheetah extinct in 1952, after decades of over-hunting, habitat fragmentation, and depletion of prey species. The launch of Project Cheetah in 2022 and the arrival of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa created the world’s first intercontinental relocation programme for a large carnivore.
National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030
In News India has officially launched its National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, marking a transformative step in species assessment and conservation planning. National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 It envisions publishing Red Data Books for both flora and fauna, providing authoritative documentation of threatened species. It is developed by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), IUCN India, and the Cen
Invasive Alien Species
In News Conservation scientists warn that invasive alien species are destroying local biodiversity and habitats in India. Invasive alien species Definition: They are non-native organisms introduced accidentally or intentionally (e.g., ornamental fish, decorative plants, or for land restoration). They often lack natural predators in the new environment, allowing them to multiply unchecked.
Evolution of Bat Wings
Context A study published in Nature Ecology Evolution explores how bats evolved wings from the same five-digit mammalian limb structure. Key Points Bats are the only mammals that can fly. Their wings formed from the same five-fingered limbs found in other mammals.
Light Pollution Impacting Biodiversity
In News A recent global study has found that artificial light at night is significantly altering bird behaviour, causing many species to stay active for up to an hour longer after sunset. What Is Light Pollution? Light pollution refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial outdoor lighting, which disrupts natural darkness.